Last updated: 2026-10-10

RELIABILITY SCORE: 63/100 (GOOD)

2025 Mazda CX-90 Reliability Report

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 has a good reliability standing, but owners report hybrid system shutdowns that leave the car stuck in park.

Full Breakdown Compare Models

Recalls

Complaints

Complaint Rate

15.2per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

N/A

Annual Fuel Cost

$2,400–$2,750

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity64/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs40/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact80/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity81/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Rates good and sits mid-pack among CX-90 years, but early hybrid shutdowns and sticking steering mark its owner complaints.

Top Issues to Watch

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5)
STEERING (3)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2)

Should You Buy the 2025 Mazda CX-90?

Reliability standing is good for this model year, yet it trails most other 2025 SUVs by a wide margin. Within the three scored CX-90 years, it sits in the middle. The 2024 rates worse, with far more complaints and recalls. The 2026 rates better, but it has no complaints on file, which reflects time on the road more than proof of quality.

The hybrid system is the biggest worry. Owners describe the car shutting down with "electrical leakage detected" and "hybrid system malfunction" warnings, sometimes within the first days and at 12 to 25 miles. The car then won't shift out of park and has to be towed. Dealers often can't find the cause, and cars sit for weeks. Other owners report steering that binds or sticks in turns, and power that drops while passing or turning across traffic. Federal records list two recalls, covering the electrical system and structure.

Ask the seller for recall completion proof and any hybrid or steering repair history. A car that has been in the shop repeatedly for the same warning deserves a pass.

Compared to the 2026 Mazda CX-90, which scored 9 points higher. See also the 2024 Mazda CX-90 for an earlier comparison.

Pros

+Acceptable reliability score
+Low recall count
+5-star NHTSA crash rating

Cons

−Above-average complaint rate for SUV
−ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Hybrid system shuts the car down, often in the first days of ownership (5 complaints)
−STEERING: Wheel binds, sticks or feels notchy in turns (3 complaints)

Compare 2025 Mazda CX-90 With

2025 Toyota Highlander

Reliability: 76/100

Good

2025 Honda Pilot

Reliability: 71/100

Good

2025 Kia Telluride

Reliability: 78/100

Good

2025 Hyundai Palisade

Reliability: 70/100

Good

2025 Ford Explorer

Reliability: 72/100

Good

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK

2 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5)
STEERING (3)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

recalls on record

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 carries 2 recalls — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

15.2

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 3.5

LowAvgHigh

Moderate

Safety Incidents

Crashes

Fires

Injuries

Deaths

★★★★★

NHTSA 5/5 Stars

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2025 Mazda CX-90 Recall Details

2 recalls have been issued for the 2025 Mazda CX-90. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

25V5680002025-09-02

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024-2025 CX-90 and 2025 CX-70 mild hybrid electric vehicles (MHEV). The fuel gauge in the instrument cluster may display an inaccurate fuel reading.

Consequence

An inaccurate fuel gauge may result in the vehicle unexpectedly running out of fuel and stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the body control module (BCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 24, 2025. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 6. The manufacturer's number for this recall is 78251. The information in your report suggests that Mazda may have been aware of this issue more than five business days before filing a report with NHTSA. Please be reminded that under Federal law, this agency is to be notified of all safety defect and/or noncompliance decisions within five business days. 49 CFR 573.6 Significant civil penalties can be assessed for this violation.

24V8140002024-10-31

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STRUCTURE

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024-2025 CX-90 and 2025 CX-70 vehicles equipped with a Dash Electrical Supply Unit (ESU). During vehicle startup, the defroster, seat belt warning, 360° view monitor functions, and the PHEV high-voltage battery cooling system may not function properly.

Consequence

An ESU that does not function properly, increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will reprogram the Dash ESU with improved software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 18, 2024. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 7124J.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2025 Mazda CX-90? Check its history first

Electrical system problems lead owner complaints about the 2025 Mazda CX-90, and 2 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.

Accidents
Open Recalls
Title History
Odometer Rollback

2025 Mazda CX-90 NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 4/5Passenger: 4/5

Rollover risk: 15.5%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row, 3rd row)Advanced Belt Feature (Not Available)Seat Belt Pretensioners (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Seat Belt Load Limiters (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row, 3rd row)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Head Protection (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row, 3rd row)Torso and/or Pelvis Protection (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Knee (Driver, Front Passenger)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)Unattended Child Reminder Direct Sensing System (No)LATCH Locations (2nd row, 3rd row)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row, Roof)

PHEV Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 5/5

Rollover risk: 12.7%

Safety Technologies

View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Mazda CX-90Repair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

2025 Mazda CX-90 Example Repair Prices

National average price ranges for common repairs. These are not model-year-specific failure predictions.

Common repair costs and price estimates
Repair	Estimated Cost
Tire Pressure Monitor Lamp Diagnosis	$98 – $143
General Diagnosis	$122 – $179
Noise Diagnosis	$122 – $179
Vibration Diagnosis	$122 – $179
No Start Diagnosis	$122 – $179
Pre-Purchase Car Inspection	$183 – $269
Engine Oil Light Diagnosis	$122 – $179
Check Engine Light Diagnosis & Testing	$122 – $179
AC Diagnosis	$122 – $179
Air Conditioning System Leak Inspection	$122 – $179

Estimates based on national average repair costs. Actual costs may vary by location and shop.

MPG & Annual Running Costs

Plug-in Hybrid

25 MPG

Fuel cost: $2,400–$2,750/yr

Fuel only

23–24 city / 27–28 hwy MPG

Based on EPA fuel-cost estimates. Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2025 EPA label cycle.

Plug-in Hybrid trims

Trim	Drive	Trans.	City	Hwy	Comb	Fuel Cost
CX-90 4WD PHEV 2.5L 4-cyl	4-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S8)	24	27	25	$2,750

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2025 Mazda CX-90.

Run a federal recall check on the VIN and confirm every open recall, including any for automatic braking, has been repaired.
Ask for service records showing hybrid system malfunction, electrical leakage, or tow-in repairs, and ask whether the problem came back.
Start the car several times and watch the dash for hybrid system, electrical leakage, or charging system warnings.
Charge the battery fully and confirm it goes above 80 percent with no engine malfunction light.
Turn the wheel slowly to full lock both ways and confirm it returns to center without sticking or notchiness.
Floor the accelerator on an uphill merge and watch for "Acceleration Limited" warnings or sudden power loss.
Drive on the highway with adaptive cruise on and watch for "front radar obstructed" messages.
Pull away from stops in light traffic and watch for false emergency braking, and listen for loud brake squeal.

2025 Mazda CX-90 Common Problems by Component

21 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5)STEERING (3)VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2)FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (2)ENGINE (2)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2)SERVICE BRAKES (2)SUSPENSION (1)Other (2)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

5 complaints

The hybrid system shuts the car down, often in the first days of ownership. The dash lights up with "electrical leakage detected" and "hybrid system malfunction" warnings, sometimes with i-Activsense errors. The car then won't shift out of park and has to be towed. Several reports come in at very low mileage, between 12 and 25 miles. One owner says the battery won't charge above 80 percent and the engine light stays on. Dealers often can't find the cause, and cars sit at the shop for weeks. One report mentions parts on backorder for months and the problem coming back after repair.

5 complaints total

STEERING

3 complaints

The wheel binds, sticks or feels notchy in turns. Reports describe it catching when coming out of left turns at 30 to 50 mph. Others say it locks at full lock and won't return to center, or pulls toward the edge of the road and takes real effort to correct. One owner says the notchy feel got much worse over a few days. A wheel that sticks mid-turn or pulls off the road is a loss-of-control risk. None of the reports mention a confirmed fix.

3 complaints total

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 complaints

Power drops sharply when the driver needs it most. Reports describe the car refusing to speed up on a highway grade even with the pedal floored, including a failed pass of a slow truck that forced hard braking. Another describes losing drive power during a left turn in front of oncoming traffic. Both reports describe near-collisions. One notes no warning light or sound when it happened. The problem repeats, with one owner reporting several reduced-power episodes while turning over 5 months of ownership.

2 complaints total

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (2 complaints)

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

2 complaintsSafety-related

No warning comes before an impact, and the driver-assist system shuts itself off. One crash report describes a rear-end collision below 12 mph with no collision warning or proximity alert first. Another says i-Activsense shuts off with a "front radar obstructed" message when nothing is blocking the sensor. That takes out adaptive cruise and lane keeping, both at highway speeds over 70 mph and in city traffic. The system stays off until the car is fully turned off and restarted.

2 complaints total1 crash

ENGINE (2 complaints)

ENGINE

2 complaints

Hybrid and engine warnings shut the car down or cut its power. One pattern matches the electrical reports: charging system, electrical leakage and hybrid system malfunction messages appear together. The car shuts off, won't restart or shift into neutral, and needs a flatbed, in one case at 126 miles. Another pattern is a recurring "Acceleration Limited Due to Low Fuel and/or Battery Condition" warning even with normal fuel, which cuts power while driving. Dealers say no fault codes are stored or they can't reproduce the problem, and repairs drag on for weeks.

2 complaints total

UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2 complaints)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 complaints

Automatic emergency braking slams on when nothing is ahead. One report describes the car jerking to a stop while pulling away from a railroad crossing, two days in a row. That creates a rear-end crash risk for anyone following. A separate complaint says the vents blow air hotter than 101 degrees with the A/C off and the temperature set to "lo", on a 55 degree day.

2 complaints total

SERVICE BRAKES (2 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

2 complaints

Loud, unpredictable squealing starts early, around 1,100 miles in one report. A dealer reportedly calls it a known issue with no fix yet, and one steering complaint mentions the same squeal. A separate report describes phantom braking, where the car brakes on its own at low speeds about 3 times a week, often on freeway on-ramps. That owner says their car was not covered by a related recall, so check whether any given vehicle is included.

2 complaints total

SUSPENSION (1 complaints)

SUSPENSION

1 complaint

2025-03-15

After driving >2000 miles or about a month, I could hear a loud, grunting/grinding noise when accelerating aggressively from 1st to 2nd gear when on EV or gas mode. Brought the vehicle at the dealership service department 4 times already, each time MAZDA Headquarters in California confirmed that this is a known and documented condition. According to Mazda, the grunt noise you’re hearing when the vehicle shifts from first to second gear under medium to aggressive throttle is considered normal operation. It has been determined that this does not affect the drivability or reliability of the vehicle, and it is safe to drive. The transmission is operating as designed and performing within normal parameters. Mazda is continuing to collect data on this condition as part of their ongoing commitment to improvement. However, I totally disagreed to their answer and that the truth is that they don't know how to fix it, unless tearing down completely the transmission to find out what the cause is! I feel it is a safety problem as explained by a top transmission repair shop: "In most cases, a loud, grunting or grinding noise when accelerating from 1st to 2nd gear would likely be considered a defect that substantially impairs the vehicle's use and could also affect safety, particularly under the context of Oregon's Lemon Law. Here's why: •Impact on Use: Grinding and grunting noises suggest that the transmission is not functioning properly, according to Top Notch Transmissions. This makes the vehicle less reliable and less enjoyable to drive. If the problem persists or worsens, it can hinder the vehicle's ability to operate safely and effectively, potentially leading to hard or delayed shifting, or even transmission failure."

POWER TRAIN (1 complaints)

POWER TRAIN

1 complaint

2024-12-15

The day after purchase, with 216 miles on the odometer, a major failure of the hybrid electrical system occurred. The car immediately shut down, not allowing the car to be moved (it could not be shifted out of "Park"). The message indicated that a high voltage leakage was detected and that the system was hazardous. It required a tow to the dealer. The dealer's service center cleared the error and refused to take further action. If this should happen again, on a busy street, serious injury could result.

TIRES (1 complaints)

TIRES

1 complaint

2025-12-16

Premature tire tread wear on 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV equipped with OEM Falken tires. At 21,586 miles, an authorized Mazda dealer measured tread depths at 5/32, 5/32, 4/32, and 3/32 (rear tire at replacement threshold). This level of wear is abnormal for the mileage and creates a safety concern due to reduced wet traction and hydroplaning risk. Dealer inspection dated 12/16/2025. Mazda USA case number 00394959.

Best & Worst Mazda CX-90 Years

Best Mazda CX-90 Years to Buy

Based on reliability index score

Top Pick

Risky

Mazda CX-90 Reliability Score Trend

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Mazda CX-90 reliability scores by year
Year	Score	Rating
2024	38/100	Risky
2025	63/100	Good
2026	72/100	Good

Mazda CX-90 Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
Year	Score	vs Prior Year	Rating	Recalls	Complaints
2026	72/100	+9	Good	0	0
2025(selected)	63/100	+25	Good	2	21
2024	38/100	—	Risky	11	259

2025 Mazda CX-90 Reliability by Powertrain

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 is available with 2powertrain options. Here's how they compare on reliability.

Reliability comparison across powertrain options
Powertrain	Complaints	Recalls	Incidents*	Crash Rating
Gas	8	2	0	5 out of 5
PHEV	13	0	1	5 out of 5
Total	21	2	1

NHTSA tracks complaints by vehicle configuration when that detail is available. Model-level reports that do not identify a specific powertrain are included in Total but not assigned to a row. A plus sign indicates a confirmed minimum; — means no complaints could be attributed to that specific powertrain. N/T = Not tested by NHTSA.

* Incidents = crash + fire reports. A single complaint can include multiple incident types.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2025 Mazda CX-90 reliable?

It earns a good reliability standing, but it rates well below average against other 2025 SUVs. Owners filed 21 complaints, and the worst involve hybrid shutdowns, sticking steering, and sudden power loss. It sits in the middle of the three scored CX-90 model years.

What are the most common problems with the 2025 Mazda CX-90?

Electrical system complaints lead, with five reports of hybrid shutdowns and warnings. Steering comes next with three, describing a wheel that binds or sticks in turns. Forward collision avoidance and vehicle speed control each have two complaints, covering missing collision warnings and sharp power loss.

Does the 2025 Mazda CX-90 have hybrid system problems?

Yes, owners report them, often early. The dash shows "electrical leakage detected" and "hybrid system malfunction," and the car won't shift out of park. Some reports come at just 12 to 25 miles. Dealers often can't find the cause, and repairs can take weeks.

Does the 2025 Mazda CX-90 have recalls?

Federal records show two recalls for this model year. The listed areas are the electrical system and structure. Ask the seller for proof that both were completed, or check with a Mazda dealer using the VIN before you buy.

Is the 2025 Mazda CX-90 better than the 2024?

Its standing rates better than the 2024, which is risky, with 259 complaints and 11 recalls. The 2025 has 21 complaints and two recalls. The 2025 has also had less time to collect reports, so its lower count is only partly a fair comparison.

Don’t buy a 2025 Mazda CX-90 without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Look Up a VIN →

How we score the 2025 Mazda CX-90

Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 does best on how many systems draw complaints (81/100) and worst on repair costs (40/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.

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